Setting Goals

by Terry Huggins FRSA, FInstLM, FCMI

As we enter a new year may people will be setting goals for the coming year, myself included. I believe that goal setting is part of my responsible stewardship of time, talents and resources. If you have already set life goals for yourself this is a good time to review them. If not then why not consider starting this habit now.  “ A (chess) Grandmaster makes the best moves because they are based on what he wants the board to look like in ten or twenty moves in the future “ Garry Kasparov. So it is with life. A vision of the future in ten or twenty years enables you to make moves now that are steps to fulfilling that vision.   

5 tips for setting life goals

# Take time to dream. Dedicate some time and find a physical space where you can withdraw from your normal pace of life and routine in order to dream. For those with a faith prayer will be an important element of this time. 

# Avoid vague goals.  Write down your goals as doing so turns a mere aspiration into a goal. Be clear what you’re aiming to achieve and how you might attain it. We are vague when we don’t want to hold ourselves accountable. Make your goals very specific, make them measurable and assign a due date.  Goals are dreams with deadlines. Always be clear what your next action needs to be towards achieving the goal.

# Set goals for each area of your life.  You may wish to set goals for your work-life, physical well being, spiritual well being, family life and relationships, continuous learning, exciting experiences, influencing others. Don’t just focus on yourself but Include outward facing goals such giving to charity, voluntary work, supporting friends in need. Consider your motivation for each goal and that this aligns with your values.

# Set stretching goals. They should be worthwhile and with a real sense of importance to their accomplishment. This is what will make them compelling. Each should be challenging enough to engage interest and motivate action but not unrealistic. Goals can be an expression of faith. “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it; but that it is too low and we reach it” Michelangelo

# Stay focussed on your goals. Don’t just jot them down on a piece of paper and file it. Keep them visible by placing them where you’ll regularly see them. Maybe a poster above your desk. Diary in time to review progress at monthly intervals and to commit to ‘next step’ actions. Keep your goals to a manageable number and not too many as this helps you stay focussed throughout the year. You might want to share your goals with a friend who will hold you to account throughout the year or work with a mentor.